Patents - Chemistry & materials

We work across all areas of chemistry. Whilst our pharmaceutical team enjoys the accolade of being world leaders in their field, we are also very successful in the industrial chemistry and agricultural science sectors. We attribute our success to the brilliance of our team. All our attorneys have degrees in chemistry or materials science, and nearly two thirds of the partners working in this sector hold a PhD.

IP for pharmaceutical and chemical companies

At Mewburn Ellis we are used to working with a wide range of clients. A lot of our work comes from major pharmaceutical and chemical companies, but we also do significant amounts for start-ups and universities. We tailor our approach to meet budgets and business requirements. Our industrial chemistry team works across the entire range of chemical products including polymers, adhesives, coatings, functional materials, catalysts and detergents. Many of our clients in this area are large corporate clients from both the UK and overseas who enjoy our flexible working practices and commercially-focused approach to their work. We work with these clients to help them obtain patent rights and then to defend them during opposition if necessary. We also work with them on offensive oppositions where the rights of third parties present a barrier.

Experienced team working to obtain SPCs

Alongside our patent attorneys who specialise in pharmaceutical chemistry, we have an experienced team working to obtain Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs). These SPCs extend the protection of patented active ingredients present in pharmaceutical or plant protection products. We have a strong team working in the chemical nanotech sector as well as the food & beverage and cleantech sectors. The attorneys in these teams have a genuine interest in these exciting sectors and enjoy keeping abreast of the latest technical advances. Our team working in the consumer products sector includes a number of chemical patent attorneys drafting and prosecuting patent applications relating to all manner of household detergents and beauty products. Our chemical and materials patent attorneys are supported by our legal services team who can help deal with complex transactions involving IP rights and provide regulatory advice. Our dispute resolution team is available to assist if contentious matters arise.

Actively involved in the Royal Society of Chemistry

Members of the team are actively involved in the Royal Society of Chemistry, serving on the Chemistry Law Group Committee and presenting lectures on IP topics. We cover all aspects of obtaining and enforcing chemical and material science patents including: